GUNS were fired during 25 incidents across Cheshire over a six-month period.

The weapons were discharged at various times around the county between April and September 2004, with a small number of people injured.

One of these incidents involved a handgun, 15 saw the use of air rifles and seven involved BB pellet guns.

But a county police spokesman reassured residents, saying: 'Incidents involving firearms in Cheshire are rare in comparison to other areas of the country.'

Since 1995, when armed response units started patrolling the streets of Ellesmere Port, they have dealt with 6,500 incidents and arrested more than 800 people.

'And in all this time, not one shot has been fired at a member of the public by Cheshire officers,' said the spokesman.

Cheshire's firearms officers have a 24-hour response capability, and a variety of weapons at their disposal.

Some are termed 'less lethal' than others, such as the 'baton gun' that fires plastic rounds.

The force is currently looking at the viability of the electric dart gun or 'Taser'.

The spokesman said: 'While these less lethal options can be very effective against suspects armed with knives or other weapons, it must be made clear they are not an appropriate response to the threat of a gun.

'A person incapacitated by a baton round or Taser shock can still fire a gun.

'Only officers armed effectively, who possess the professionalism the public expect, can safely deal with such a threat.'